'Historic' Indian Anti-Trafficking Law Heads to Parliament - FreedomUnited.org

‘Historic’ Indian Anti-Trafficking Law Heads to Parliament

  • Published on
    March 1, 2018
  • Written by:
    Jamison Liang
  • Category:
    Child Slavery, Domestic Slavery, Forced Labor, Human Trafficking, Law & Policy, Rehabilitation & Liberation
Hero Banner

India is moving closer to approving a national anti-trafficking law after the country’s cabinet approved it. The Trafficking of Persons Bill will now head to parliament for approval after it reconvenes in March.

Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi called the bill ‘historic,” adding that “It’s a victory of the 1.2 million people who participated in 11,000 km long Bharat Yatra (India March) for this demand. Intrastate trafficking of children is a rapidly growing organized crime. A strong anti trafficking law in India will send a powerful message.”

Thomson Reuters Foundation reports:

Under the new law traffickers could be jailed for 10 years or for life. Conviction also includes a fine of at least 100,000 Indian rupees ($1,534).

“In order to break the organized nexus, both at the national and international level, the Bill provides for the attachment and forfeiture of property and also the proceeds for crime,” the government said.

The legislation also provides for special courts to expedite trafficking cases, setting a deadline of one year for trial and repatriation.

Under the law, a rehabilitation fund will be set up to help victims rebuild their lives and they will be allowed to give evidence through video conferencing without being identified.
In addition, the law proposes establishing district, state, and national anti-trafficking committees that will work on prevention, protection, and rehabilitation.
India’s own government data shows that reports of human trafficking have increased over the past year by 20 percent, coming to a total of 8,132 cases in 2017. A government statement said the bill “addresses one of the most pervasive yet invisible crimes affecting the most vulnerable persons especially women and children.”

Freedom United is interested in hearing from our community and welcomes relevant, informed comments, advice, and insights that advance the conversation around our campaigns and advocacy. We value inclusivity and respect within our community. To be approved, your comments should be civil.

stop icon A few things we do not tolerate: comments that promote discrimination, prejudice, racism, or xenophobia, as well as personal attacks or profanity. We screen submissions in order to create a space where the entire Freedom United community feels safe to express and exchange thoughtful opinions.

guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

This week

Migrant workers jailed in Qatar over demands for owed wages

Five months on from the World Cup final, migrant workers continue to report exploitative labor practices and mistreatment at the hands of Qatari authorities. Three former security guards have been jailed in Qatar for four months following their repeated requests for unpaid wages from their employer, Stark Security Services. Though lauded by FIFA as an opportunity to improve Qatar’s treatment of migrant workers, workers who toiled to make the world’s

| Friday May 26, 2023

Read more